A Message from the Executive Director

This season has been full of exciting activity for FLCRC—including some bold steps we are taking to expand our impact in Fort Bend County. In July, we introduced FLCRC’s Future: Building a New Generation of Leaders, a transformative initiative that will expand our one-week summer camp into an immersive six-week summer enrichment experience—creating lasting opportunities for youth development. Learn more and donate now by visiting FamilyLifeCRC.org/campaign.

August kicked off with another successful Back-to-School Parent Chat, marking our 21st year of empowering families with resources for the school year.

Our Y.A.L.E. student leaders have shined as volunteers, taking initiative to plan and facilitate meaningful service opportunities throughout the summer and fall. Their leadership this year has been a joy to witness!

FLCRC hosted several events for members of the Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) Richmond Chapter. We remain committed to supporting victims of crime and building resilience.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, and generous donors. Thank you for partnering with us! For more ways to get involved, visit FamilyLifeCRC.org.

Sincerely,

Ilene Harper, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Back-to-School Parent Chat: Equipping and Empowering Families for a Successful School Year

We hosted our 21st annual Back-to-School Parent Chat on July 30th-August 2nd, offering both in-person and virtual sessions and distributing over 150 backpacks with essential school supplies to students. This high energy, interactive community event connects families each year with educational information and resources across Fort Bend County. FLCRC Board members and Y.A.L.E. student leaders assisted with backpack distribution, ensuring
a seamless pickup process.

FLCRC Supports Fort Bend County’s State of Criminal Justice Summit

On July 18th, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of Criminal Justice Summit, at which District Attorney Brian Middleton offered an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of criminal justice in our county. FLCRC was a proud corporate sponsor of the event. We continue to prioritize partnerships with our local government and law enforcement officials to ensure a safer, more just community.

Crime Survivors Speak: Healing and Safety

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) Richmond Chapter members and FLCRC team members traveled to Atlanta, GA for the Crime Survivors Speak: Healing and Safety Conference on August 22-23. This incredible gathering empowered crime survivors to lead grassroots movements promoting healing and reform. Our partnership with CSSJ is an important component of our mission to support crime survivors. Learn about our free crime victim services at FamilyLifeCRC.org/GRIT.

Y.A.L.E. Leaders Shine Through Service Learning

Our Y.A.L.E. leaders participated in volunteer opportunities throughout the summer and fall, showcasing their leadership skills and commitment to service. On August 25th, they volunteered at the Golden Bonds Luncheon & Health Fair, a special event for community members aged 55 and older. On September 6th,
they assisted with setup for an event for Alpha Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority. The students also had a productive meeting on September 13th, planning for the Bullying Awareness Conference and preparing their Scholarship and Award application portfolios.

Dr. Harper Attends Tech-Focused MidwestCon

Dr. Ilene Harper, our executive director, attended MidwestCon in Cincinatti, OH, September 10th-11th. This informative conference focused on the wide range of digital resources, including AI, and how they can be effectively and ethically utilized. As our programs and services continue to expand, these digital solutions will be an important component of our growth.

“We’re entering an exciting new chapter where technology can help us do more good, more effectively. By thoughtfully using AI and digital tools, we can better understand the needs of those we serve, strengthen our community connections, and extend our reach like never before.”

— Ilene Harper, Ph.D., Executive Director, FLCRC

Healing and Connecting Through Art

On September 13th, members of the Richmond Chapter of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) gathered at FLCRC for a time of artistic healing and connection through painting. We are proud to partner with CSSJ, a national organization of crime survivors dedicated to healing and improving public policy. You can join the local CSSJ Chapter at act.safeandjust.org/a/cssj-chapter-signup. FLCRC also provides free, comprehensive services to crime victims through our GRIT program. Have you, a family member or friend been impacted by crime? Learn more at FamilyLifeCRC.org/grit.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

• Join us for the FLCRC Ninth Annual Banquet!
  Saturday, December 6, 2025
  6:00 p.m.
  821 E Hwy 90A, Richmond, TX 77406
  Purchase your tickets now for an inspiring evening with our special keynote guest, actor Lodric D. Collins! Mr. Collins is a rising star in the entertainment industry, best known for his roles on Tyler Perry’s The Oval and the film Respect alongside an all-star cast including Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whitaker. He is also a former U.S. Marine and advocate for U.S. Veteran support, healthcare equity and empowerment of communities affected by adversity. Don’t miss out on this memorable occasion! Purchase tickets and program ads now by visiting FamilyLifeCRC.org/banquet.
• Support Our Capital Campaign
  Our 2025-2026 capital campaign, FLCRC’s Future: Building a New Generation of Leaders, is well on its way. We invite you to support our plans for a six-week summer enrichment experience! Learn more and donate at FamilyLifeCRC.org/campaign.
• Y.A.L.E. 2026 Orientation Meeting
  Saturday, January 10, 2026
  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  821 E Hwy 90A, Richmond, TX 77406
  Calling all students! Join us for the kick-off of the Youth Ambassador Leadership Education (Y.A.L.E.) program in 2026! You will learn all about the program,
  how to apply, and the exciting events to come throughout the year—including a trip to Canada! Learn more and register at FamilyLifeCRC.org/YALE.
• FLCRC 2025 Community Survey
  Help us serve you better by sharing your feedback on our programs and services! Take the survey now at this link. Your opinion matters to us!